My first year of chickens and I make their food and also ferment in glass jars. I feel that they do not eat as much and they do love it. Easy enough to do.
City water isn't treated with chlorine any longer. Treatment plants use chloramine now because it doesn't break down as quickly as chlorine. Thus, letting treated city water sit over night will not remove the chloramine. You have to treat with sodium metabisulfite (Campden tablets) to neutralize the chloramine.
I started fermenting my chickens' feed about 2 months ago. I've found that it does cut down on the cost of feed, so it's well worth the effort for me. I do give them fermented feed daily, but they also free range daily...& get treats. I've also started fermenting feed for my pot belly pigs. Since pigs seem to want to eat all of the time (ha), by giving them fermented feed they seem to stay satisfied for a longer period of time. Thanks for the info!!
@@hayfordsomuah1134 I normally ferment my pigs' feed about 3 days during the summer, & 4 days during the winter. It probably doesn't matter, but it gets hot & humid where I live (Arkansas/Oklahoma border), & I don't want to take chances on getting mold during the summer. I don't know if this is the proper way to do it, that's just the way that I've been doing it. 🙂
@@hayfordsomuah1134 I normally ferment my pigs' feed about 3 days during the summer, & 4 days during the winter. It probably doesn't matter, but it gets hot & humid where I live (Arkansas/Oklahoma border), & I don't want to take chances on getting mold during the summer. I don't know if this is the proper way to do it, that's just the way that I've been doing it. 🙂
I've been fermenting wheat for my 15 chickens for the past year or so. I put 3 cups of wheat berries in a 1-gallon bucket then fill it with water. If I don't fill it full of water, it molds. I keep it for 48 hours and then drain it and feed it to the chicken in their run, scattered about. It gets them moving around in the morning, and 1everyone gets her fair share. I have not yet tried fermenting layer mash. Great video, guys!
I ferment in the summer time, if nothing else, it helps with keeping my birds well hydrated, but I’m also a believer that it cuts physical feed consumption down fairly significantly with no bad effects I’ve ever noticed. It’s already triple digits here where I am, and I been fermenting buckets for a week now, I use all different stuff from COB, to pellets, to scratch.
I ferment for about an hour up to ((24 hrs plus)(usually hr average) then solar cook my feed. Birds love when I get the cooking right!!!…heck almost burnt is way more popular than dry!! I did a not to detailed video of it on my TH-cam…may do the details if people want it…or I have some time to use.
I doit seasonally, when I free-range my chickens on two acres of irrigated pasture in summer, they seemed to lose interest in when they have their own bugs in summer, then once fall comes again they're not so picky and enjoy it. I make a quart jar for 7 hens and 2 roos
Just found you and "liked and subscribed." I really appreciate the knowlege and research you guys put into your videos. Also, while keeping it simple enough to understand. Keep up the good work and thanks for the video!
I'm too lazy and absent minded. Looking forward to the sprouts video. Most appreciative of this one though because now I know that this particular practice is probably not for me. YOU GUYS ROCK!!!
This was a great video. All the information packed into one. Some went over my head but hopefully I’ll catch up lol. I like how you’re honest about how much to feed. Subscribed and liked. New chicken raiser and glad I found you
Yes you can! I haven’t done this, but I understand that when sourdough starter is used you can keep the water to a minimum…just enough to keep the feed wet.
Some people ferment chicken feed by keeping the feed in a closed container and under water for 3 days. In other words, after 3 days, they open the container and feed the feed to their chickens. Does this method provide a good benefit to chicken feed? Or does it provide little benefit as a simple operation?
I check on my chickens and other poultry daily, but I feed them enough for several days. That translates to two or three times a week. Feeding fermented pellets or crumble would make it a daily chore for me, create a mess, and endanger the birds, if there was any leftover spoiled feed. What I have been doing for years is fermenting scratch grains, so that they are ready for two to three feedings during the week. Of course, I have worked out how much to use for each feeding. The grains sit in a bucket of water and the top is covered, but not airtight. I use tap water with no problems. The trick is to never clean your bucket. I dump the fermented grain into a bucket with holes to drain off the liquid birds. I then add a fresh amount of grain to the old bucket and cover it with water and lid. The small amount of liquid that had been left in the bucket, as well as the coating on the sides and bottom, contain all the bacteria you need to ferment a new batch. It never stinks and the fermentation is always consistent. Besides offering probiotics to the birds, it greatly extends the feed, since it has absorbed so much water.
For awhile, I was fermenting their scratch grains as an afternoon treat. I tried to ferment their layer feed once. That was disgusting! I can’t do that. I want to find a grain mix that I can ferment.
So we can keep fermented grain submerged indefinitely? What time period? Mixed a batch with a 3 day sit with stirring and ended up with a lot of feed- can I feed it out?
I feed fermented feed to my 50 laying hens. They really like it. I have not noticed an increase in egg production which is disappointing, actually their production has dropped significantly. I wonder if it's the feed or something else?
It could be for a number of reasons. Here is a video we did on the subject a while back: Why Chickens Stop Laying Eggs (And What You Can Do About It) th-cam.com/video/MMrP4xJCnmQ/w-d-xo.html
I think I fermented way too much feed. If I keep it submerged in the fermenting water, how long will it last? Can I refrigerate it to make it last longer? Or could I freeze some of it to make it last longer? I'm heartsick if I have to dump and waste all of this. Please help.
Luckily I’ve never had this problem, but what I have heard from others it that you should not freeze it, but it will last a couple of days if refrigerated. If there is any question of whether it is good, toss it & consider it a lesson learned.
does this formulated feed for layers only? because in my chicken house, there are all stages of chicken, young, adult, roosters and hens, can i give this to all of them? thanks Sir..
You can ferment feed for chickens of any age, sex or breed. Chicks have different nutritional requirements than adults, so it is a good idea to keep their feed separate unless they are hatched and raised by a hen.
My chickens love the fermented feed. I have found that repeatedly using the prior batches water led to mold on top. No wonder the girls wouldn’t touch the last two batches before I saw the white mold! Wash the jars and then put them in the dishwasher to completely remove any residual mold. Just washing the jars didn’t work. I hate to waste expensive feed!
I fill a big container with more than enough grain and water and feed from it for weeks. It smells like a brewery but the birds love it. Is this a wrong metode?
Not wrong...but I would only prepare enough for 4-5 days and then start another batch. After that it starts to lose nutritional value. Not that it will hurt them, they just aren't getting the most out of it. After a while it will go bad.
@@HobbyFarmGuys My chicked are freeranging, and have a huge area to explore, but it is a cold climate. Faroe Islands. I have access to large quantities of what remains from slaughter of cows and sheep. Im trying to figure out how I can exploit this, and use it as chicken food. Chicken love raw meat. But I dont know where to look up information about this
@@HobbyFarmGuyshello I have a question so it’s good for 4-5 days if kept in the refrigerator or can it also last 4-5 days if kept outside in a closed container?
I recommend fixing your audio timing because your video have very good information. But it's just so hard to watch because of all the audio stops every 5 seconds after your done with a sentence.
@@HobbyFarmGuysat first I thought this user was imagining it. But they are correct. There is a 'Noise Gate' being used to suppress the background noise when there is no speech, but the application isn't the best and it's cutting off the 'tail' of the speech by a fraction. This can be rectified by adjusting (lengthening) the 'release' of the gate. 👍 Honestly, I'd just do away with the use of the gate. It's unnecessary in this application. It will also create a better 'connection' with the listener, as their ears adjust to match your environment. Thanks for the super informative video guys! Very much appreciated!
Just started and its so pleasing to see how the chickens really seem to love eating it!!!❤
They really do!
I've been doing this for 2 years. My hens love it. I save the liquid, so I have a bowl ready for them every morning.
That is awesome!
I have a question? Do you think that there is a change of taste in flavor in eggs coming for your hens ?
I would really want you to say YES!!
What is the ingredients? Please tell me.and chicks age how will be to start
My first year of chickens and I make their food and also ferment in glass jars. I feel that they do not eat as much and they do love it. Easy enough to do.
the use of molases can jump start the amount of probiotics and the acidity on the feed, less risks
Great tip! Thanks!
City water isn't treated with chlorine any longer. Treatment plants use chloramine now because it doesn't break down as quickly as chlorine. Thus, letting treated city water sit over night will not remove the chloramine. You have to treat with sodium metabisulfite (Campden tablets) to neutralize the chloramine.
Thanks guys. You're not only helpful but a pleasure to watch too 😊
Thanks for watching!
I've used fermented feed. Very easy process and the birds go after it like candy. Never any problem with left overs.
Thanks for sharing!
I started fermenting my chickens' feed about 2 months ago. I've found that it does cut down on the cost of feed, so it's well worth the effort for me. I do give them fermented feed daily, but they also free range daily...& get treats. I've also started fermenting feed for my pot belly pigs. Since pigs seem to want to eat all of the time (ha), by giving them fermented feed they seem to stay satisfied for a longer period of time. Thanks for the info!!
That is awesome!
How many days do u ferment your pig feed
@@hayfordsomuah1134 I normally ferment my pigs' feed about 3 days during the summer, & 4 days during the winter. It probably doesn't matter, but it gets hot & humid where I live (Arkansas/Oklahoma border), & I don't want to take chances on getting mold during the summer. I don't know if this is the proper way to do it, that's just the way that I've been doing it. 🙂
@@hayfordsomuah1134 I normally ferment my pigs' feed about 3 days during the summer, & 4 days during the winter. It probably doesn't matter, but it gets hot & humid where I live (Arkansas/Oklahoma border), & I don't want to take chances on getting mold during the summer. I don't know if this is the proper way to do it, that's just the way that I've been doing it. 🙂
Great video guys. I always wondered why people fermented their feed. I probably will never do this but it was a nice learning experience.
Our pleasure!
Excellent information; we’ll presented. Thank you.🐓
So nice of you!
I've been fermenting wheat for my 15 chickens for the past year or so. I put 3 cups of wheat berries in a 1-gallon bucket then fill it with water. If I don't fill it full of water, it molds. I keep it for 48 hours and then drain it and feed it to the chicken in their run, scattered about. It gets them moving around in the morning, and 1everyone gets her fair share. I have not yet tried fermenting layer mash. Great video, guys!
Thanks. I don’t recommend fermenting layer mash. The chickens will love it and it is good for them, but 🤢
@@HobbyFarmGuyswhy not do this with layer mash? Is layer pellets okay?
I ferment in the summer time, if nothing else, it helps with keeping my birds well hydrated, but I’m also a believer that it cuts physical feed consumption down fairly significantly with no bad effects I’ve ever noticed. It’s already triple digits here where I am, and I been fermenting buckets for a week now, I use all different stuff from COB, to pellets, to scratch.
The ducks and geese LOOOOOOOVE the fermented water, and it’s full of niacin for them
I ferment for about an hour up to ((24 hrs plus)(usually hr average) then solar cook my feed. Birds love when I get the cooking right!!!…heck almost burnt is way more popular than dry!! I did a not to detailed video of it on my TH-cam…may do the details if people want it…or I have some time to use.
Good stuff! I'd Look forward to seeing a video like this!
Thnk u guys for explaining this .
Our pleasure!
SUCHHHHH A GREAT VIDEO..IM DEFINITELY GOING TO TRY THIS FOR MY 2 RESCUE CHICKENS. ❤️❤️❤️🐓
Good luck!!
I doit seasonally, when I free-range my chickens on two acres of irrigated pasture in summer, they seemed to lose interest in when they have their own bugs in summer, then once fall comes again they're not so picky and enjoy it. I make a quart jar for 7 hens and 2 roos
I like the seasonal approach too
Very good info! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Just found you and "liked and subscribed." I really appreciate the knowlege and research you guys put into your videos. Also, while keeping it simple enough to understand. Keep up the good work and thanks for the video!
You are welcome! Thanks for watching & subscribing!
I'm too lazy and absent minded. Looking forward to the sprouts video. Most appreciative of this one though because now I know that this particular practice is probably not for me.
YOU GUYS ROCK!!!
You are too kind!
Great stuff!!! Thanks so much look forward to doing this for my hens,
Have fun!
very informative, thank you
Our pleasure
Thanks, gents!
Our pleasure!
This was a great video. All the information packed into one. Some went over my head but hopefully I’ll catch up lol. I like how you’re honest about how much to feed. Subscribed and liked. New chicken raiser and glad I found you
Thanks so much for watching!
Looking forward to the fodder video. Have been working in sunflower seed fodder but it is growing slower than expected.
It takes weeks
@@justinsane7128 that it has been!
@@justinsane7128 love the name!!!
Coming soon!
thank you for all the information! can I add sourdough starter into the fermentation of the chicken feed?
Yes you can! I haven’t done this, but I understand that when sourdough starter is used you can keep the water to a minimum…just enough to keep the feed wet.
What are your thoughts on using a starter? Helps with the molds and speeds up the process.
I see no harm in using one. Lots of people swear by it.
Best video I;ve watched on this topic, just got chicks and using a starter feed, will this method?
Yes, absolutely!
Arizona here guess it needs to go in frig to ferment. Can I use same container and just take and add to existing pot already fermented?
Yes!
Lol tha put my Gran paw in. Prison for fermenting corn
I love your videos
😂 Now that’s funny! Thanks for the kind words!
Thanks i loveyour videos
Glad you like them! Thanks for watching
Hello, can we give fermented feed to day old chick?
You sure can!
Some people ferment chicken feed by keeping the feed in a closed container and under water for 3 days. In other words, after 3 days, they open the container and feed the feed to their chickens. Does this method provide a good benefit to chicken feed? Or does it provide little benefit as a simple operation?
I check on my chickens and other poultry daily, but I feed them enough for several days. That translates to two or three times a week. Feeding fermented pellets or crumble would make it a daily chore for me, create a mess, and endanger the birds, if there was any leftover spoiled feed.
What I have been doing for years is fermenting scratch grains, so that they are ready for two to three feedings during the week. Of course, I have worked out how much to use for each feeding.
The grains sit in a bucket of water and the top is covered, but not airtight. I use tap water with no problems. The trick is to never clean your bucket.
I dump the fermented grain into a bucket with holes to drain off the liquid birds. I then add a fresh amount of grain to the old bucket and cover it with water and lid. The small amount of liquid that had been left in the bucket, as well as the coating on the sides and bottom, contain all the bacteria you need to ferment a new batch.
It never stinks and the fermentation is always consistent.
Besides offering probiotics to the birds, it greatly extends the feed, since it has absorbed so much water.
What is the ingredients for broiler chickens..? Anybody can say,,,?please..
For awhile, I was fermenting their scratch grains as an afternoon treat. I tried to ferment their layer feed once. That was disgusting! I can’t do that. I want to find a grain mix that I can ferment.
Agreed. It is disgusting!🤢 The chickens don’t seem to mind it though
I’m also looking for a grain mix to ferment.
If you find a good one please let me know 😊
@@HobbyFarmGuys
Do you know of a good grain mix that works well for fermentation?
So we can keep fermented grain submerged indefinitely? What time period? Mixed a batch with a 3 day sit with stirring and ended up with a lot of feed- can I feed it out?
Leaving it submerged in the brine, it will last 4-5 days. Beyond that you probably don’t want to use it.
I feed fermented feed to my 50 laying hens. They really like it. I have not noticed an increase in egg production which is disappointing, actually their production has dropped significantly. I wonder if it's the feed or something else?
It could be for a number of reasons. Here is a video we did on the subject a while back:
Why Chickens Stop Laying Eggs (And What You Can Do About It)
th-cam.com/video/MMrP4xJCnmQ/w-d-xo.html
I think I fermented way too much feed. If I keep it submerged in the fermenting water, how long will it last? Can I refrigerate it to make it last longer? Or could I freeze some of it to make it last longer? I'm heartsick if I have to dump and waste all of this. Please help.
Luckily I’ve never had this problem, but what I have heard from others it that you should not freeze it, but it will last a couple of days if refrigerated. If there is any question of whether it is good, toss it & consider it a lesson learned.
can i feed chicken with fermented feed in the morning and palleted feed in the evening
You sure can!
Does fermented make egg shell lightness?
Not that I know of.
I've been fermenting my birds food for the last 8 months they love it and hate whenever I don't ferment food there spoiled
If you are willing, there’s nothing wrong with spoiling them!
does this formulated feed for layers only? because in my chicken house, there are all stages of chicken, young, adult, roosters and hens, can i give this to all of them? thanks Sir..
You can ferment feed for chickens of any age, sex or breed. Chicks have different nutritional requirements than adults, so it is a good idea to keep their feed separate unless they are hatched and raised by a hen.
@@HobbyFarmGuys yes, they are raised by their mama hens..how's that sir?
@@ruthyabes4862 Give them all feed designed for chicks if they re mixed together with adults.
Hi can i give my broilers 1 day old and tel me if i can can feed only fermented feed
You can certainly use fermented feed! Just remember broilers have different nutritional requirements than layers. But fermenting feed is no problem.
The best starter is poultry grit. It already has the appropriate probiotic bacteria
Great tip!
How many days does this take to reach the desired outcome?
3-4 days is all it takes
My chickens love the fermented feed.
I have found that repeatedly using the prior batches water led to mold on top.
No wonder the girls wouldn’t touch the last two batches before I saw the white mold!
Wash the jars and then put them in the dishwasher to completely remove any residual mold. Just washing the jars didn’t work. I hate to waste expensive feed!
Great tips!
Gostei kkkk bem além do os outros falam falou bem completa falou dos perigos d ph até
Can we give fermented feed to baby chicks?
Certainly! Just remember that chicks require more protein than adult birds.
I fill a big container with more than enough grain and water and feed from it for weeks. It smells like a brewery but the birds love it.
Is this a wrong metode?
Not wrong...but I would only prepare enough for 4-5 days and then start another batch. After that it starts to lose nutritional value. Not that it will hurt them, they just aren't getting the most out of it. After a while it will go bad.
@@HobbyFarmGuys My chicked are freeranging, and have a huge area to explore, but it is a cold climate. Faroe Islands. I have access to large quantities of what remains from slaughter of cows and sheep.
Im trying to figure out how I can exploit this, and use it as chicken food. Chicken love raw meat.
But I dont know where to look up information about this
@@HobbyFarmGuyshello I have a question so it’s good for 4-5 days if kept in the refrigerator or can it also last 4-5 days if kept outside in a closed container?
I make the. In my house and only in 2 days amount,
Can I add molasses?
Yes!
Too much time talking about the science.
I am afraid I would screw it up and poison my hens!
That is the fear, but if you are careful it isn’t too difficult to do right.
I recommend fixing your audio timing because your video have very good information. But it's just so hard to watch because of all the audio stops every 5 seconds after your done with a sentence.
Thanks for the feedback! 👍
I’m listening to this in mid September 2023 On my iPad. No problems whatsoever with the audio.
Watching on my iPhone and no problems.
@@HobbyFarmGuysat first I thought this user was imagining it. But they are correct.
There is a 'Noise Gate' being used to suppress the background noise when there is no speech, but the application isn't the best and it's cutting off the 'tail' of the speech by a fraction. This can be rectified by adjusting (lengthening) the 'release' of the gate. 👍
Honestly, I'd just do away with the use of the gate. It's unnecessary in this application. It will also create a better 'connection' with the listener, as their ears adjust to match your environment.
Thanks for the super informative video guys! Very much appreciated!